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SKETCH OF THE LIFE 



OK 



KIC1JAR1)D0P)F)SSP_AIGHT 

OF NORTH CAROLINA, 

Kv .lOHX W. WHKKLKH. 

AuiHOR (II' "Hisi'DKY or Noitiii (.:armi.i\,\, " Sc, &;. 




WILLIAM K. BOYLE. IMUNTKU, 

Corner St. l'.\ii. .\n» IJai.timouk Stukkts. 

188U. 



/> 



El "502 



RICHARD DOBBS SPAIGHT."^ 



TnK rocciit cciitcMinial period of onr nation was 
marked by a spirit of historic inquiry. 

Congress, by a resolution of 13th of March, 1876, 
rccomniend(Hl to tlie people of the several States to 
assenibh' in their several counties or toAvns, at the 
api)r<)aching anniversary of onr National Independence, 
and that th(>v cause to have delivered on such day an 
historical sketch of said coianty or town, so that a com- 
pU'te record might thus be obtained of the progress of 
our Institutions during the first centennial of their 



'5 

existence. 



This resolve Avas promulgated by the President, on 
21st May, 1870, with the hope that the object of such 
resolution miglit meet the approbation of the people, 
and that proper steps might be taken to carry the same 
into etfect. 

The committee for the restoration of Independence 
Hall, in Philadelpliia, invited the presence of the 
American Historians, liiographers and Literati at that 
place on the 2nd July, 187(5, (the centennial anniversary 
of the Kesolutions of Independence,) desiring that a 
biographical sketch of every individual, whose memory 
is associated with the building, during the early days of 
the Republic, be prepared and deposited on that day 

•From advanced sheets of Col. Jolni H. Wheeler's forthcoming 
volume, "Leading- Men of North Carolina." 
1 



2 Richard Dohhs 8j)fiif/7it. 

anioiiff the arcliiA-es of the National Museum, with the 
request that "these sketches shoukl uot exceed two 
pa^es of foolscap." 

When T accepted the invitation which I had tlic 
honor to receive in March, 187G, to prepare a Memorial 
of the Life and Character of Richard Dobbs Spaight, 
of my native State, I felt that his long and illustrious 
services, ample records of which I had in my possession, 
could not be detailed in the "two pages of foolscap." 
Hence the memoir presented on the occasion was 
"cribbed, cabined and confined;" and although kindly 
received, was not satisfactory, even to myself. This is 
the motive of giving a more extended, and, I trust, 
satisfactory record of one who had "done the State 
some service," over whom the dust of time Avas sloAvly 
gathering. 

Richard Dobbs S])aight was born, lived and died in 
Newbern, Xorth Carolina. 

There are few States of "the old thirteen," that de- 
clared Independence in 1770, Avhose early history is more 
marked by interesting incident, or by acts of patriotic re- 
solve and daring, than Xorth Carolina. Xone is so little 
known to our Nation at large.* It vpas on her shores 

*rroni 3r(l volume of "Voyages and Discoveries of the Enj;lish 
Nation, by Ricliaid Ilakliiyt," printed at London, KiOO, ])af;e 301: 

"Tlie- first voyages made to the coast of America, with two barks, 
wherein were Cai)tains Pliilip Ainadiis and Artlmr Barlow, who dis- 
covered the country now called Virjiinia, anno 1.584, written by one 
of said ('ai)taius, and sent to Mir Walter Kaleis'h, Knight, at whose 
charge and direction the said voyage was set forth: 

" 'On the second of July, we found shole water, when we smelt so 
sweet and stirring a smeele as if we had becMi in the midst of some 
delicate garden abounding in all kind of odoriferous IJowcrs, and on 
the fourth we arrived on the coast. After thanks given to God for 
our safe arrival thither, we manned our boats, and went to take pos- 
session of the same, in the right of the Queencs most excellent Ma- 
jestic, as rightful Queeue and Priucesse thereof.' 



. Richard Bobbs Spaight. 3 

that the Enjili^hnian flr.st hxnded on the Western Con- 
tinent, on Koiinoke Island, in 15S4. 

The lirst deehiration of inde])endcnce ol" the English 
ci'own was made in Xorth Carolina. The fearless men 
of Mecklenherg, more than a year in ndvanee of the 
National Congn'ss, assenihled in IMay, 177."), and de- 
clared independence. The docnnients in the loot note 
are from the records of the English government, and 
are heyond any cavil.* 

'•'We 1(11111(1 tlic pt'oplc most gentile, loviny and Caitlifiil, voide of 
all guile and tieasoit, and siicli as live after the inanTier of tli(> jiolden 
age. They call the Island, Kaonoak, distant from the harbour we 
entered seven leagnes.'" Page .j()4. 

This was the lirst landing of the ICnglish on onr continent, and is 
located in the i)resent county of Dare, in the extreme eastern ])ait of 
North Carolina. 

The first conflict in arms between the regular forces of England 
and the Colonists occurred at Alamance, in North Carolina, on Kith 
May, 1771. 

The conduct of the Olliiters of the ('rown towards the jieople was 
marked by oppression and fraud. The people petitioned in vain to 
the Governor (Tryon) for redress. Rut failing to obtain this, made 
open resistance, (iovernor Tiyon, with a force of more than 1100 
men, met the Itegulators, as they were termed, led by Herman Hus- 
bands and others, tive miles west of Great Alamance river, on the 
road leading from llilisboro to Salisbury, and a contiict ensued in 
which sixty men o\ the royal forces were killed. The Kegidators, 
after a contiict of two hours, were routed, leaving many dead and 
many wounded. Thus, and here, was the first blood spilled in these 
I'nited States in resistance to the exactions of English rulers and 
the oiipressions of the English (iovernnient. The great i)rinciples 
contended for by the Kegulators — the rights of the many against 
the exactions of the few — the right of the people to resist all taxes 
not imposed by their rei>resentatives — the right to know for what 
they paid taxes, and how said taxes were ai)propriated — were the 
l)riuciples for which, in 177ti, independence was declared. The offi- 
cial account of the Koyal Governor, Tryon, of this battle, is given in 
Wheeler's History of X. ('., Vol. 2, ]). Hi. 

•From State Paper Office, London, Vol. 1, p. 204. Extract from a 
Dispatch from Governor Mai-fin to Secretary of State, dated 

(Continued.) 



4 Bichard Dohhs Spaighi. 

Among such a race of people, aud animated by such 
principles, the subject of this sketch was born, lived 
and died. A faithful record of his services will com- 
mand the deepest interest in the History of the State 
in which he was a prominent actor. 

Bioffi-aphy has one advantage over History. Both 
are recorded narratives. While History details facts 
relative to Xatious. Biography gives ns the minute acts 

"FoET JoH>"STO>-. XoETH Caeolesa, 30tb June, 1775. 

" The 3Iinntes of the Council belrt at this place the other day will 
make the impotence of the Government here as apparent to your 
Lordship as anything 1 can set before you. 

'• The situation in which I find myself is indeed, my Lord, most 
des])ieal>Ie and mortityinjr. I live, alas, inglorious, only to dei)lore it. 
The resolves of the Committee of Mecklenberjr, which yonr Lordship 
will find in the enclosed new.spajier. suq)ass all the horrid and trea- 
sonable i)ublications that the inflammatory spirits of the Continent 
ba%e yet prodnced. aud your Lordship may depend it.s autboi-s and 
abettors will not escape when my hands are sufficiently strengthened 
to attempt the recovery of the lost authority of the Government. A 
copy of these resolves was sent off, as I am informed, by exjuess, to 
the Congress at Philadeli)hia. as soon as they passed in the Com- 
mittee." 

This authentic record from the archives of the EngUsh Government 
places this fact beyond all cavil, doubt or question. 

Extract fiom the Proclamation of Josiah Martin, Governor, &c,, 
of His Majesty's Province of ^oitli Carolina: 

"Ox BoAED OF His Majesty's Sloop, the Ceuisee, » 
Is Cape Feae Kiveb, Aug. 6th, 1775. ) 

" Whereas, I have seen a most infamous publication in the Cape 
Fear Mercury, importing to be the resolves of a set of people styling 
themselves a Committee for the county of Mecklenburg, most traito- 
rouxly declaring the entire (lixmhition of the Laws. Government and 
the Constitution of this country, and setting up a system of rule re- 
pugnant to the Laws, and subrersive of His Majesty's Government : 

" I do hereby forewarn the people against such act, and conjure 
them to persist and pursue in their duty and allegiance." 

2»0TE. — These records were coi)ied by me from the records in the 
State Palmer Office, Chancery Lane, Loudon, 1SC4. J. H. "VY. 



Richard Dobbs Spaight. 5 

of individuals. The one, like the splendid cartoons that 
decorate the walls of our National Capitol, presents to 
the dazzled eyes of the spectator numerous forms and 
faces, each distinct and ditferent; the other, like the 
matchless marble of Houdon. or Greenouffh. unveils 
a single figure, in all its perfect proportions. 

"A combination, and a form indeed, 
Where every God did seem to set bis seal. 
To give tlie world assurauce of a ?IA>"." 

Indeed, a faithful hioiiTaphy of any distinguished in- 
dividual is often the most satisfactory account of the 
scenes and occurrences in which he was a conspicuous 
actor. The life of Washington l)y Marshall is the V)est 
record of the Revoluticmary War. 

The town of Newbern.* where Grovernor Spaight was 
born, is situated in the eastern part of North Carolina, 
at the confluence of the Xeuse and Trent rivers. 

Around this ancient and classic toAvn are clustered 
many memories of rare interest. It received its name 
from the emigrants from Switzerland, in memorial of 
the vine-clad city of their fatherland. Here landed the 
Palatines from the Rhine, led by the adventurous De 
Graafenreidt (ITOfl,) whose valor resisted the inroads of 
the savages, and whose industry made the "wilderness 
blossom as the rose." Here was the seat of Royal 
Government, long directed liy the rule of Governor 
Dobbs ; and here his successtn-. Tryon. held his court, 
and raised a palatial mansion, more ornate and princely 
than any at the time in America. From that day to 
the present, Xewbern has been known and disting-uished 
for intelligence, patriotism and hospitality. Avhicli have 
won for it the name of •• the Athens " of Xorth Candina. 

In this town. (»n the 25th March. 175S, Avas Richard 

Dobbs Spaight born. 

* More frequently uow written Xew-Berne. 



6 fiirJtffnJ Dohh.s Sjxiif/ftf. 

His father, Richard Spaight, was a nati^-e of Ireland, 
of an ancient and honorable family Avliich still preserves 
its rank.* He was appointed bv order of the King and 
Council, dated 4th Eebruaiy, 1757, one of the Conncil 
of Governor Dobbs ; and on the death of Henry McOul- 
lock, he was made the Secretary of the Crown in the 
Province of Xorth Cai'olina — a position, in importance, 
next to that of the Governor. 

A list of the civil officers <»f North Carolina at this 
time is given, which may interest the antiquarian and 
s<nuc of their descendants who are yet among us.f 

*Sec Burke's Landt'd (leiitry. 

tExtiact IVom a Dispatcli of (i()\ciiioi' Dobbs to the Board of 
Tiade, as to the coiiditioii of tlie l'io\ iiiee of North (Jaroliiia, <lated 
1702. 

"The names of the Ci\il Otlieers on the Establisliinenl are: 

KiCHARD Spaight, Seeretaiy and Clerk of tlie Crown, a])i)ointe(l 
by the (iovernor in 17r»(», in phiee of iJenr.v ^IcCuUoek, (h'ceased. 

Me. Berkv, Chief Justice, appointed by wariant from the Crown 
in 175!), in plaee of Mr. Ilenly, deeeased. 

Mk. UasiclIj, Baron, appointed by the (lo\'ernor in 17(1(1. upon 
Mr. Kieussett'.s resi.i;nation. 

Hon. and llicv. iMii. Cuolmondkly, Auditoi' by i)atent on rever- 
sion from the (jI'owu, u\mn death of Lord Walpole. 

I^OHKifT JoNios, .Attorney (ieneial. u|)oii Air. Ciiild"s resignation, 
by warrant from the Crown in April, 17()1. 

Mk. KuTnEKFORD, Keceiver (General, I'estored by the Lords of the 
Treasui-y, after having been sus])ended in 17.50. 

Mr. McCuire, .hid.ne of the Admiralty, a])])ointe(l by the Gov- 
ernor in plaee of Mi'. Koss, deceased, in 1760. 

Mr. JIarm. Jones, Mr. Charlton, and Mr. 1)e\vj:y, a[)pointed 
by tlie (iovernor, Jud}>es, in pursuance of an Act of Assend)ly ])assed 
17(!(), to erect five Sii|)eri()r Courts. 

John Staricey, TnoJtAS JjArjcer, Treasurers of the Northern 
and Southern Districts. 

Mr. Palmer, Surveyor (ieneral, ajjpointeil by warrant from the 
Crown in 175.3 ; also the Collector of the Port of Bath. 

Mr. Dry, Collector of Port of Brunswick. 

Mr. Rieussett, Collector of Poit of Koanoak. 



Richard Dobhs Spaight. 7 

^fv. Spaii^lit sorvod as Pay ^Master to tlie troops raised 
i»y Xortli Carolina to aid (Iciieral Braddocli ; in Avhicli 
cainpaiini Washington took his first k^ssons in war. He 
married Marjiarct Dobbs. the sister of (lovernor Dobbs,* 

Mr. WnrxEHALL, Collcdoi- of I'ort ot'Cuiiitiick. 

Mr. McCullock, Collector of i'ort of Beaufort. 

These arc nil n]>i)oiiite(l by tlie Lords of tlie Tieasuiy in Eni;laii(l, 
and salaries jiaid from tlieiice. The other otlicers are paid out of his 
.Majesty's (jiiit rents. Tlie Auditor £1(10 per aiiiiuin, Chief Justice 
.£70, Barou £tO, Siu\eyor General £40, Secretary a.s Clerk of the 
Crown £25, Attoruey General £80." From Records of Board of 
Trade, xV. C. 

•\^'e give the genealogy of the Dobbs family from which Gov. 
Spaight descended, by his mother's side, from authentic sources. In 
our country, especially in the South, we are behind the age as to 
genealogy. In England, tlie subject is one of elaborate research. 
In New England genealogical societies abound, sustained by a 
Quarterly I'eiiodical. Every family in this section is pioud of its 
genealogical-tree. Annual meetings oc-eur under their ancestral roof- 
tree, wliere traditions, hallowed liy time, are preserved, the lines of 
consanguinity traced, and the ties of affection strengthened. Some 
may, with |)ragmatic indifference, deride such efforts, but surely no 
one can be insensible to the satisfying feeling of ha\ing descended 
from an honest and virtuous ancestry, and of being connected with 
persons of unsullied re[)utation, of genius and intellect. It instils a 
hatred of iimctivity and vice, and stimulates to usefulness and virtue. 
From DiclioHari/of American Biof/ropliy. By Francis Drake. Boston: 

Osgood & Co., 1872. 

Dobbs, Arthur, Gov., of N. C, born in Ireland, 2nd April, 1G89, 
and died at Town (vreek, N. C, on 2(Jth March, 170.5. He was a man 
of letters, of liberal view.s, had been a member of the Irish Parlia- 
ment, and distinguished for his efforts to discover the North West 
l)assage. As Governor of N. C, he adopted conciliatory measures 
toward the Indian tribes, but his administration was a continued 
struggle with the Legislature on unimjiortant matters, dis))laying on 
his part an ardent zeal for royal prerogatives, and an iiulomitable 
resistance on the part of the colonists. He was the author of "An 
Account of the Countries Adjoining the Hudson Bay," (4to., London, 
1718.) "Trade and Improvement of Ireland," (8vo., Dublin, 1729,) 
and "Captain Middletou's Defence," (8vo., 1744.) (CoNXiNirED.) 



8 Richard Dohhs Spaight. 

whose administration, as ruler of North Carolina, was 
in tumultuous times. The high estimate that Governor 
Dol)l)s i)la('ed on his prerooatives as the representative of 
royalty, was sternly op])osed by the people and their 
representatives, and produced angry and violent colli- 

DOBBS OF CASTLE DOBBS. 

From Gencalofiiml aufi Heraldic Dicfionari/ of the Landed Geniry of 

Great Brilain and Ireland, dv. By J. Ijcriiaid Kiirke. London : 

Col burn & Co., 185;}. 

"Tliis family was established in Ireland l)y John ])obbs, who 
accomjianied Sir Henry Dockwod to that conntry in 1590, and was 
subse(iiiently his De])nty as Treasurer for Ulster. This John Dobbs, 
who is stated to have been j;'raiidson of Sir IJichard Dobbs, Lord 
Mayor of London in 15.51, married Margaret, only child of John Dak- 
way of Rallyhill, and had by her two sons, Foulk and Hercules. 

"Foulk was lost with his father, retnrning' from Enj;land ; and 
Hercules, who su(M'eede(l to his father's |)roi)erty, married Magdalen 
West, of Ballydongan co.. Downs, and left an only son. 

"Richard Dobbs, who died in 1701, leaving his estate to his 
yonnger son, (his eldest turning (|)uaker, was disinherited,) Richard 
Dobbs, of C'astletown, born l(i(i(). He married (second time) Mar- 
garet Clingston, of Belfast, by whom he had three daughters. 
Among them Margaret, who married KiCHARD SPAIGIIT. He was 
High yiieriif of Antrim in l(i!t4, and died in 1711. His eldest son 
was 

Arthur Dobbs, born on I'nd Ajuil, KiS!); he was High SherilTof 
Antrim in 1720; for many years Member of Parliament for Carriek- 
fergus; married Anne, daughter of Capt. Osbuin of Drogheda, and 
relict of Capt. Xorbury, by whom he ac^cjuired an estate at Timakoe, 
and had Conway Richard (his heir,) ICdward Brice, Frances, and 
]\Iai-y who married Dean Ryder. 3Ir. Dobbs was appointed Engi- 
neer and Surv(>y()r (leneral of Iicland, and in 1753 was sent out as 
Governor of North Carolina, where he actjuired great possessions, and 
died there. 

His sou Conway died at Belfast in 1811, and was succeeded by his 
eldest son, Rii'hard Dobbs, who married Nicolini, daughter of Michael 
Olnns, of I'orlowu, and had issue, Conway Ricliard, the present rei)- 
resentative of the family, who resides at Castle Dobbs, Antrim, Ire- 
land. 

Crest: Unicorn's head. 

Motto: "Amor Dei et proximi snuima beatitudo." 



Bichard Dohbs Spaif/Iit. 9 

sions liet\v(»on the Exooutive and Legislative Depart- 
ments of the Government. 

So frecjnent and tierce Avere these contests between 
the governor and the Legishitnre, that the aged hands 
of (Jov. Dohbs (now in liis 7()t]i year) were strengthened 
by the Governnu^nt at h(mie by the apjiointment of 
William Tryon as Lientenant Governor, and wlio, npon 
the death of Gov. D. in 1705, became Governor of the 
(Colony of Xortli C^trolina. 

A county was formed in 1754, called Dobbs county; 
but iu 1791 the name was abolished and the territory 
divided into Lenoir and Glasgow counties. In 1799 the 
latter was changed to Greene. 

A fort was erected in Western North Carolina called 
Fort Dol)bs ; and the Governor owned large landed 
possessions on Rocky River. 

Such Avere the ancestors of Richard Dobbs Spaight, 
who at the time of the deatli of his uncle, was seven 
years old. His parents died soon after. At tlic age of 
nine lie was sent abroad to receive an education, which 
was tinished at the Univei'sity of Glasgow, in Scotland. 

On hearing tliat his native land was involved in war, 
he returned in 1778 to America; and although not 
trained to arms by educaticm or tastes, he promptly ten- 
dered his services, then only twenty years old, to Gen. 
Richard Caswell, who commanded a >«orth Carolina 
brigade in the Southern Army under General Gates, 
and served as ((id-de-camp to General Caswell at the ill- 
fated battle of Camden, (Kith Aug., 1780,) where the 
Rritish. und(>r Lord Cornwallis. defeated the Americans 
under (lates. Baron l)c Kalb, ^lajoi' Porterlield, and 
many others fell in l)attle, and Gen. Rutherford and 
others were taken prisoners. The victory of British 
arms was coniplete, and the hopes of the ])atriots for a 
time were crushed. (lates retreated to Hillsboro, 
where the Leiiislature was in .session, with Governor 



10 Richard Dohhs Sjmight. 

N^ash presiding. A Court of Enquiry censured Gen. 
Gates, and Gen. Greene was appointed Commander of 
the Southern Army. 

This unliappy experience in war did not improve the 
taste of Mr. Spaiglit for tlie profession of arms. But 
he was destined to tigure in scenes in the great drama of 
life, the duties of which demanded equal courage and 
sacrifices, and in which battles and blood were the iu- 
evital)lc conse(|ucnces. lie returned home, and on 
attaining liis majority, the next year, Avas elected a mem- 
ber of the (ieneral Assembly from the boio' of New- 
bern, and re-elected in 1782 and 1783. 

By tlie latter Assembly, he was elected a member of 
the Congn^ss (confederation) which assembled at An- 
napolis on i\\G 23rd December, 1783, with Hugh Wil- 
liamson, (the Historian of North Carolina) who, like 
jMr. Spaiglit, had been in the army, and like him was 
in the battle of Camden, and Benjamin Hawkins (after- 
wards a Senator in Congress, 1789,) as colleagues. On 
that day, Mr. Spaight witnessed the resignation of 
George Washington to Congress of his commissi(m as 
Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of America, an 
epoch ever memorable in the annals of our nation. 
In this illustrious body Mr. Spaight, although one of 
the youngest, (being only 25 years old,) was also one of 
the most useful and active menibei's. His portrait in 
this body of Patres Coiiftcripfi, by Truml)ull, is pre- 
served, and now graces the rotunda of the Capitol. By 
this body his talents were duly a|»j»rcciated, since he was 
placed on many ol' the most important committees, to 
which subjecls of the gravest cliaracter were referred. 
He was on a committee headed by 'riionias .Jetferson, 
to devise a j)lan for the temporary government of the 
western territorv. 



Richard Dobbs Sjxiiffbt. 11 

On the 2Dth of flic .same month lie was elected, by 
ballot of the Congress, one of the ('onnHitt(>e of States, 
which body possessed and wielded all the jiowers of 
ffovenmient. This body had the powei" to appoint all 
civil and military otllcers, and to repeal any act of Con- 
gress. The Committee of States met <m the 1th of Jnne 
followint;-, at Trenton, Xew Jersey ; Samnel Hardy, of 
Viriiinia. was chosen Chairman. The Journals of this 
body pnivc that .Air. Spaight was an attentive, active, 
and useful nu'mber. 

He was elected by tlie Legislature of Xorth Carolina, 
in .lanuary, 17.S7, a delegate to the Convention to form 
the Constitution of the United States, which body met 
at Philadelphia on the 11th of May following, and was 
presided over by (leorge Washingt<ni. His colleagnes 
were William Blount (ajipointed, r/cc Richard Caswell,) 
and Hugh Williamson (appointed, vice Wilie Jones.*) 
In this body Mr. Spaight took an active part. He pi'o- 
[)osed and urged that the selection of the members of 
the Senate shouhl l)e made by the States, and that the 
term of service should be seven j'cars. (Elliott's De- 
bates, page SG.) He also projiosed that the Executive 
term should be seven years. The records of this body 
prove that his attendance was regular, and that he 
manifested a deep interest in the vital questions dis- 
cussed. No member was more conversant witli their 
deliberations, which knowledge was usefully dis- 
played in a Convention which assembled at Hillsboro', 
on the 21st July, 17S8, to deliberate and determine 
the proposed plan of the Federal Government. He 
proved himself the I'eady and able exponent of the Con- 

•Tlie celebrated Naval liero, Joliii I'aiil Jones, wliose name was 
originally Jolin I'aul, came to North Carolina after leaving S(;otland, 
and visitiriu Wilie .lones and liis brotliei', and tl-eir families, became 
so warm an admirer that lie took their name " Jones." 



12 Riehanl Dohb.s Spakfld. 

stitution and its fearless advoeate ; and althoniili a 
decided Jetfersonian republican, lie was coadjutor of 
Pavie, Johnstone, Iredell and others, in urging its 
adoiJtion. Biit all in Aain. He might well have ex- 
claimed, as Hector did of Troy : — 

A 

" Si Perganiii dextra 
Dejfiidi ])0.ss('iit etiaiii Iuk; defeiisa fiiissent."* 



This Body rejected the Constitution by 100 votes. 
Thus Xortli Carolina jtresented the anomalous condition 
of a State originally in the confederation, and yet not 
in the Union. Consequently North Carolina did not 
vote in the iirst Presidential election. This rejection 
produced much apprehension among the friends of the 
Government, an)»ong whom was (Jovernor Spaight, and 
specially General Washington. On the invitation of 
Governor Spaiglil, AVashington visited North Carolina 
Avith the hope of intinencing \\\q people in favor of the 
Constitution. Such was the effect of their connsels, 
that subse(juently the State in Convention, at Fayette- 
vill(> on the 21st November, 1788, ratified that Instru- 
ment, and North Carcdina Ixicame a member of the 
Union. General AYashington made an extensive tour 
in North Carolina ; he Avas in Salem and Salisbury, 
and did mn(;h to render the new Constitutionf popu- 
lar. In this he Avas aided by Governor Spaight, and 
other patriots of the day. 

*If' 'I'ldv coidd liavc liccii dcft'iidi'd 
Tliis v\'^\\\ liaiid liad done it. 

tWlion alluding to Constitutions, it: may be wt'll to roinaik tliat hj 
many it is siii)|)osed that oiir Oonstiliitioii, as a State, foruicd as early 
as the IStli December, ITTti, at Halifax', was one of the tirst State 
Constitutions formed, if not tlie tii-st, and so ably formed tliat it 
stood for nearly sixty years without amendment. This is error. 
When the Revolutionary War had commenced, and the existence of 



Bichard Dobbts Spaiffht. 13 

After this long and laborious service in Constitutional 
Conventions (Federal and State,) tlie liealtli of Mr. 
Spaiglit gave way, and lie retired, for this cause, from 
any public duty. Tlie West Indies, and other mild 
climates, were resorted to for alleviation and relief, but 
he never again enjoyed perfect health. But his age 
(then only 3(>,) his firmness, ])atienc(^ and regular habits 
so far triumphed, that after an absem-e of four years 
from public soi-viee, he was enabled to return home, 
determined to s])end the remainder of his lite in repose 
and retirement. But such was the ap])reciatiou of his 
services by his lellow citizens, and tlu^ir admirati<ui for 
his talents and his character, that in 1792 he Avas elected 
a member of the Legislature, and by that body he was 
chosen Governor of the State. He was the lirst native 
of Xorth Carolina that was chosen as her Chief Magis- 
trate. It is not very complimentary to the State that 
her tirst seven (xovernors, from Caswell (in 177()) to 
Martin (in 1702,) and all of the signers of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, were born in other States. 

Fortunately for the enfeebled health of Governor 
Spaight, his adniini.stration had fallen on the niild rule 
of General Washington, who.se prudent and sagacious 

.some other fiovt'iiiinciit lliaii that of Eiighiiid was a necessity, the 
Continental Confess, b.v a resolve of the 3r(l November, 1775, 
recoiniaended to the Colonies to ado])t sneh j;()vernmeiit as shonld 
best conduce to their safety. 
Xew ITanii)siiire formed a State Constitution on . December, 21 st, 1775. 

Sonth Carolina .March l-'Oth, 1770. 

Virginia Tune 19Hi, 177G. 

New Jer.sey July 10th, 177C. 

Penn.sylvania Ans;nst, 12th, 177(J. 

Delaware August l!»th, 1770. 

Noith Carolina December 18th, 1770. 

Georgia I<\>bruary 5th, 1777. 

New York Ai)nl — , . 

Jamieson on Constitutional Conventions. 



14 Richard Dobb.s- /Spoif/Jif. 

policy commanded the support and admiration of his 
conntrvmon, and party spirit was subdued and silent. 
.Vnd, too, from the limited executive powers prescribed 
by tlie State Constitution, the duties of (lovernor did 
not recjuire any ureat intellectual exertion. The franiers 
of the Constitution in 1770 had witnessed and had 
become so disgusted with "• lii<>h fantastic tricks " of the 
Royal Governors, that they vibrated to the other ex- 
treme, and gave to the Executive but little power and 
less patronage. This Avas exi)ressed by a member of the 
body Avhich formed tliat instiument, when on his return 
home he was asked what powei's Avere vested in the Gov- 
ernor by the Constitution, replied: "Power, sir! Only 
the power to sign a receipt foi- his salary, and nothing 
more." 

In 1793, while Governor, he was elected and served 
as Elector for I'l-esident and Vice-President, and again 
in 1707. It was during his administration that the 
Legislature met, for the lirst time, in the city of llaleigh, 
on oOth December, ]7i)l. Tlie place for the meeting of 
the Legislature liad hitherto been uiuletermined : First, 
at Little Piver, in 1715, in I*er<|uimans county ; then 
at diti'erent ]>laces, depeiuliug on the will of the Gov- 
ernor, or the caprice of the Legislature — Edent(m, Fay- 
etteville, Hillsboro, Kingston, Xewbern, Smithtield, 
Salem, Tar])oro, Wake Court House, and perhaps other 
])oints, have enjoyed this honor.* 

This necessarily produced great confusion in the early 
records of the State, and many were misplaced and 
lost. 

Tiie Convention tliat met to consider the Federal 
Constitution in 17SS, appointed ten cmnmissioners, who 
met in 1792, and selected the place where it now is. 

•Address of Uoii. Keiiii) P. llattlc, on " Ruly Days of Kaleigh." 
1870. 



Richard Dohhs 8pm<jht. 15 

Diiriiiii- the iuliniiiistratioii of (lovcnior S]):iiiilit, the 
Indians in Western North Carolina heeanie tronble- 
some, in the new county of Buncombe, wliich had been 
recently created (17!)1.) He appointed in July, 1704, 
D. Yance, ancestor of the })resent (lovernor of the State, 
Colonel, with autliority to raise ''scouts or ]tal roles," 
for the protection ol' the frouticr. 

The difficulties between France and Enyland. and 
other Euro])ean (Jovernnients, caused (lOvernor Sjtaiaht 
to issue on 2r)th Septtiuber, 17!).), a Vroclaniatiou en- 
Joining strict neutrality between the belligerents. He 
believed and ])racticed the wise policy of Washington — 
frieudslii[) Avith all nations and eutangliut; alliances 
with none. He ordered the privateers, which were 
being fitted out at Wilmington, to be seized. This in- 
volved him in a controversy with Timothy Bloodworth, 
then a Senator in (Nuigress, and with William H. Hill, 
the District Attorm^v of the United States. (lovenior 
Spaight received the acknowlcdgnu'nts of the President 
and Secretary oi' War, (H. Knox,) for his prudent and 
patriotic conduct. On the 2(ith of JMarch, 17!(4, the 
embargo was laid; war with England was imminent. 
In .^lay following, CJovernor Spaight was retjuested by 
the I'resident to raise and equip lo'M nun in May, 
17'.)4. On the 4th of March, 17{)4. the Wilmington 
Light Infantry fornu-d a company. 

The (lovennu- of ."Massachusetts, Samuel Adams, on 
the !Mli of October, 1793, informed (iovernor Spaight 
that in a suit of Vassal I'.v. Massachusetts, the Govermu', 
(then .John Hancock,) had been cited to a])])ear; that 
the Oovernor doubted and disputed this right of the 
Court, and had sumnioued the Legi.shiture, which had 
declared against the exercise of such power, and scdicit- 
ing our Legislature to c(msider the ijuestiou. The 
Legislature of North Carolina, in response, passed 



16 Bichard Dohh-s Spaight. 

similar resolutions, denying the right and power of the 
Court. 

A similar point Avas raised by Mr. Jefferson, who, 
when President, was summoned in the case of United 
States vs. Burr, at Kidimond, and recently the point 
was raised in Pennsylvania by Governor John F. 
Hartranft. 

The subject of education was one Aery dear to Gov- 
ernor Spaight. During his term of oifice, the Univer- 
sity had been located at Chapel Hill, and l)y a previous 
Act, (17.S9,) he was one of the Trustees apjiointed, the 
Board of Avhich was composed of Johnstone, Iredell, 
Davie, \\'illiams()u, Cabarrus, Blount, Mebane and other 
distinguished men of the State.* 

The letter-book of GoA-ernor Spaight shoAvs other but 
less important matters, but in all liis deep interest in the 
Avelfare of the State. 

After serving his constitutional term of three years, 
GoA'ernor Spaight Avas succeeded in 17!)o by Samuel 
Ashe, and he retired, as he hoped, forever from the cares 
of public life. About this time, being then thirty-seven 
years of age, he married Miss Mary Leach, of Holmes- 
l>urg, I'a., who Avas of the liighest social position, and 
of one of the oldest and most influential families. 

Hut circumstances seemed to defy his expectations of 
rcitirenient. Nathan Jiryan, a member of the House of 
Representatives from the NcAvbern District died, and a 
successor had to be elected. The i)ublic voice demanded 
again the services of Governor Spaight. He AAas elected, 
ami took his seat in Congress on the 10th of December, 
1798, (3rd Session, 5tli Congress,) Jonathan Dayton, of 
NcAv Jersey, being the speaker. He Avas re-elected a 
member of the (ith Congress, from 1799 to the 1th of 
March, ISOI. Theodore Sedgewick, of ^lassachusetts, 

•Hon. li. I'\ Moore oil Knivcisitx of Nortli Ciiioliiia, 1S77. 



Richard Dohh.<t Spaifihf. 17 

was the Speaker. His feeble health durinc; these terms, 
as the Journals show, prevented his taking an active 
part in the proceecliniis. He did not take his seat in 
the fith Congress until the 2nd of January, ISOO. His 
colleagues were Timothy Bloodworth and Jesse Frank- 
lin in the Senate, and Willis Alston, Jos. Dix<m, William 
Barry (irove, Archil)ald Hcnders(m, Wni. H. Hill, 
Nathaniel IMacon, Hicliard Stanford, David Stone and 
Robert Williams, in the House. 

This was a dark period in the history of our Republic. 
Questions of the gravest character were debated with 
ability, virulence and zeal. The Alien and Sediti(m 
laws were advocated by the friends of the Administra- 
tion, and other obnoxious measures. 

For the first time in our history the election of a Presi- 
d(nit devolved upon the House of Representatives in 
(yongrcss. On counting the votes of the States, (138,) 
it was repoi'ted l)y the tellers that of these votes Thomas 
Jetferson received 73 votes, Aaron Burr 73 votes, John 
Adams ()5 votes, C. C. Pinckney 04, and John Jay 1. 

There being no choice by the people, the House pro- 
ceeded, on the lltli of February, 1801, in the manner 
prescribed by the Constituticm, to the choice of a Presi- 
dent of the United States. On the first ballot, eight 
States voted for Thonuis Jefferson; six States voted for 
Aaron Burr, and the votes of two States were blank. 
The balloting continued, with the same results, until 
Tuesday, the 17th of February, when, on the 30th ballot, 
the Speaker declared tliat Mr. Jetferson had received 
the votes of ten States; that iMr. Burr had received the 
votes of four States, and that the votes of two States 
were blank. Consequently, Mr. Jefferson was elected. 
(See Hickey's Const., 3U.) 



IS Richard Dohhs SpdifjM. 

Governor Spaiijlit voted invariably with Alston. 
.Alaeon, Stanford, Stone and Williams^ for Jefferson; 
while Diekson, Grove, Henderson and Hill voted for 
Burr. Gen. Dickson finally voted for Jefferson. (See 
Annals of Coni>ress. ISOl.) 

This, as has been stated, was a critical period in the 
history of our (Tovernnient. The very foundations of 
the Onistitution seemed to be broken up, and the deluge 
of anarchy and confusion to oAcrspread the land. Then 

"Shrieked tlie timid and stood still the brave." 

But the ark finally outrode the storm, and rested on 
the Ararat of safety. The crisis was rightfully set- 
tled, for it was patent to all, then, as is to all now, that 
Mr. Jeff"ers(m and Mr. Adams only were the contending- 
candidates for President, and that Mr. .Ieffcrs(»n received 
a majority over jMr. Adams in the poi)ular as well as 
the electoral vote. Hence the advocacy of the claims 
of Mr. Burr was instioat(>d on the part of his friends 
by party passion and deliberate fraud, and on his part 
1)V unhallowed ambition. 

" The sin whereby tlu; Angels fell." 

This difficulty for the future was remedied by an 
amendment (Article XI J) to the Constitution. Other 
amendments in tiiis respect are demanded by recent ex- 
perience, and which doubtless will receive the consider- 
ation of Coniircss.* 

When in Enijland in 1864, conversing with a member 
of Parliament, who was well informed and curious as to 

•Mr. .letlcisoM, in a icllcr dated ll'tii .lid.\, KSKi, lo 8aiuuel Ivereh- 
eval, insists that no Const itnt ion onj;ht lo no loiiijer tlian twenty 
years withoiU an opportunity being given to tlie jieople to alter or 
amend it. (See Jefiersou's Works, vii: 9.) 



Richanl I)ohb.s Spaijiht. 1!» 

the Avorkings of our govcvnniciit, I was asked if we had 
any trihuiial whidi had the power to exaiiiiiie and settle 
a contested eh-etion for President, in eases of alleged 
frand, error or corruption. When informed there was 
none, he pronounced "our government a rt>pe of sand, 
which the first storm of popular phrenzy niiglit shatter 
to ])ieces.'" In the Appendix is presented the views of 
Lord Macaulay on our Government.* In the private 
memoirs of Washington, by Curtis, General Hamilton, 
as to our Constitution, said to General Washington: 
"Now, mark my words, so long as we are a young and 
virtuous people, the Constitution will bind us together 
in mutual interests, in mutual welfare, and in mutual 
happiness; but when Ave become old and corrupt, it will 
l)ind us no longer." 

Thus far (»ur Kepublic has stood the shocks of foreign 
war and intestine convulsions for a century, and is the 
acknowledged peer of the most pro.sperous nation on 
earth. May Ave not ho])e that it Avill be periietnal? 

"Thou, too, sail on, O sliij) of State 
Sail on, (3 Union, .strong and great 
Humanity, witli all its fears, 
Is iianging hrcatiiless on tliy fate. 
We know what masters laid th.y keel, 
What workmen wrought thy ribs of steel, 
Who made each mast and sail and rope. 
What anvils rang, wliat hammers beat, 
In what forge, in what a heat. 
Were shaped the anchors of thy hope." 

After the excitement and labors oi' this extraordinary 
session of Congress, Governctr Si)aight returned home 
exhausted, with the fixed purpose of retiring from 
public life. He declined a re-election to Congress, and 
sought repose. But the accession of the Republican 
party to poAver and ])atronage, added fresh fuel to the 
desperate fortunes of the federal ibrces. and party spirit, 
•See Appendix. 



20 Richard Dohh.s Spaifjht. 

in clcHioniac iury, raged Avitli a ferocity unparalleled in 
the history of our country, before or since. Governor 
Spaight Avas the accepted and acknowledged leader of 
the Rcpul)]ican party, Avhile Mr. Stanly Avas the astute 
and able advocate of the Federalists. 

The people deuumded then the continued serA'ices of 
Governor Spaight. and elected liiiu to the State Senate. 
Mr. Stanly Avas elected in that year (1801) the member 
of Congress from the NcAvbern District. Frequent dis- 
cussions between these champions of the two parties 
occurred.* It is recorded that the conduct of Governor 
Spaight in these discussions Avas marked by the strictest 
decorum; while he respected the feelings and rights of 
others, his manhood repelled any attempt to impugn his 
sincerity or honor. The coi-respondence shoAvs that the 
course of Mr. Stanly Avas personal and caustic. He 
charged that Governor Spaight (hnh/cd., under the pre- 
tence of sickness, Avhen any important vote, on any 
objectionable measure, Avas taken in Congress. This 
aspersion was repelled by Governor Spaiglit in a hand- 
bill, AA'hich Mr. Stanly denounced "as ccmtaining humili- 
ating tilth," and for Avliich he sent a challenge to GoAer- 
nor Spaight to mortal coml)at; and although, like Ham- 
ilton, no advocate of violence or of duelling. Governor 
Spaight, like Hamilton, accepted promptly the call, and 
also, like Hannlton, he fell. From his enfeebled condi- 
tion — for he could scarcely hold steadily a pistol — he 
might have declined the invitation. This tragic event 
caused a deep sensation throughout the Avhole country, 
and is still remembered with mournful interest. 

In the " Eecollections of New bern Fifty Years Ago," 
by Stephen F. Miller,t it is recorded that " this duel 

•Address at Newbcrn of Rev. J. T. Irving, on the death of Gov- 
oruor Spaight. 

tSee Our Living and Our Dead, liuleigh, January, 1875. 



liichard Dohhx ISpaiglU. 21 

was f()U£>lit on 5th Soptembcv, 1802, behiiul the old 
Masonic Hall, in the outskirts of Xewbern. An eye 
witness (Thomas Brown, sinee Postmaster at Trenton,) 
informed me that on the second lire the bullet pierced 
the coat collar of IMr. Stanly ; on the fourth tire General 
S])aiiiht was mortally wounded, and died the next day. 
Criminal proceedings were instituted aiiainst Stanly." 
The petition of Mr. Stanly for pardon from the Gov- 
ernor (Williams) may be found in the History of Xorth 
Candina,* and also a copy of the challenge and accept- 
ance. A funeral oration was delivered over his remains 
by his Kect(n- and life-hmti friend, Kev. J. T. Irving. 
Two life size portraits of him are preserved in the Inde- 
pendence Hall, in Philadelphia. 

\\'hen aware that the wound was mortal. Governor 
Si)aight met his fate with that patience under suttering 
that had so long been his lot, and with that magna- 
nimity which marked his character. As a statesman, he 
was pure and patriotic; as a parent, sincere and aftec- 
tionate ; his memory and his services are held in respect 
and veneration. 

" Me was not born to slianu'. 



Upon his brow shame was ashamed to sit, 

For it was a throne wliere Honor niijiht be crowned 

Sole monarch of tlu> nniversal eartli." 

Wi' iuive traced tlu' genealdgy of his i'aniily, (on his 
nioth(>r's side,) from l.")!)(i, and his own ( arcer IVom his 
cradle to his grave. Our sketch would be incom- 
plete without some notice ol' his descendants, to whom 
lie lelt a large estate. Of his marriage with 3Iiss Leach, 
two sons and one daughter survived him. 

J. RiciiAKU DoBBS Spaight, .Ii;., born in 179(), in 
Newbern; educated at the TTniversity : where he gradu- 

•See Wheeler's History of North Carolina, 11, 11-. 



22 Richard Dohhs Spnif/ht. 

atecl in 1S15, in the same class with John H. Bvyan, 
Rev. Francis L. Hawks, AVilic P. ]\Iangnni and others. 
He studied hnv ; elected to the Legislature in 1819, 1820, 
1821 and 1822 ; elected member of Congress 1823 to 
1825: again eh'cted in 1825 to the Senate of the State 
Legislature, and in 1831 elected by the Jjcgislature, Gov- 
(n-nor of the State, He was the last Governor elected 
by the Legislature, for tlie Constitution, amended in 
1835, transferred the election of (iovernor from the 
Legislature to tlie ])oi)ular vote. He died unmarried in 
1850. 

II. Ch.akles B. Spaigiit, born about 1800. in NeAV- 
bei'n ; educated at the University, at which he graduated 
in 1820, in the same class witli B. F. Moore, Wm. H. 
Battle and others. Studied law ; in the Legislature in 
1829-1830. Died in 1831, unmarried. 

III. Makcjaket Spaight, who married Hon. .Iohn 
Kor.EitT DoxxKLL. .fudge Donuell was a native of 
Iri'land, born near Jjondonderry in 1791 ; came to Noitli 
Car(dina when eight years of age, under the auspices of 
a wealthy uncle, Robert Donnell, who resided at Kings- 
ton, Lenoir county. He Avas educated at the T^niv<'rsity 
at which hv graduated with the Jirst lionors in 1807, in 
the same class Avith (iavin Hogg and others, then only 
16 years old. He studied law, and Avas a successful and 
|)oj)nlar advocate. In 1815 he was elected the Solicitor 
of the Xewbern District, and in 1819 he was elected 
.Judge of the Superior Courts of LaAV and Etiuity, which 
high position he resigned in 1830. 

It is a beautiful illustration of the workings of our 
re])ublican system of government, and Avhich has brought 
many men of energy, learning and talents to our shores 
from abroad, that foreign birth is no impediment to 
success, and that without any friends, save such as vir- 
tue and talent may secure, and no fortune but princi- 



liichdnl Dohhs Sjxiiffht. 23 

pies of honor and Justice, forcii'iiers may, and often do, 
attain t«» the highest jtositions of trust, honor aiul ]»rotit 
in our Republic. Tliis woiuhr-workinii' principh- luis 
no paralk'l in the history of wny nation, ancient or 
nH)dern, and is justly a source of naticuuil pride. Hoav 
loui"' Avouhl (lalhitiu have had to live in Euiihind to have 
heconie a nuniher of the House of Lords? or how h)ng 
wouhl Haniilt(»n liad to live in France to become a 
Chief Minister of the Treasury 'i 

Tn his official duties, Jiuliic Donnell was learned, 
patient, polite and incorrujjtible ; a man of strict in- 
tegrity and spotless rei)utatiou, as well as a kind, con- 
siderate and indulueut parent, and an oblininii' and 
jjenerous ueiiilibor. He wisely eschewed the allure- 
ments of politics, aud devoted himself to his profession, 
to his family ami his ]troperty. By skilful manaiicment 
of the large property which he iiad obtained by liis own 
industry and inheritance from his uncle, and l)y marriage 
and its connection, he was possessed of a liberal aud 
ample fortune. This was. however, much inipaii'cd by 
the vicissitudes of war. At the time of his death at 
Raleigh, on the 15th of October, 18(54, he was a refugee 
from his princely luuiie and estates after the Federal 
oecupauey ol" Xewberu. His descendants are: — 

1. Richard Spaight Donnkll,* who Avas born about 
1819; educated at the University, at which he graduated 
in 183i), in the sanu' class with Clarke M. Avery, Dennis 
I). Ferebee, Thomas D. IMeares, ami others. He was 
distinguished as a lawyer. His tirst public service was 
as a member of Congress in 1817-184!). He was elected 
to the Legislature from Beaufort county, in 1801, 1862, 
18Go and 18()4. He Avas twice elected Speaker of the 
House. He died unnuirried iu 1807. 

•See Appendix. 



24 Richard I)ohh.s Spaif/Jif. 

2. Mai;v. aa;is the second wife of the Hon. Charles 
B. Sliepai'd. "Sir. Shejjard was a native of Newbern; 
l)orn r)tli December, 1807; cdncated at the Univei'sitj' 
at wh it'll he graduated in 1S27, in the same class with 
A. O. 1*. Xicholson, of Tennessee, Warren AYiuslow 
and others. He was the son of William Shepard, Avho 
Avas also the father of William B., James B. and Fi-ed- 
erick B.* Their mother was a Blount of the old and 
distiniiuislied family of that name in X<»rth Carolina 
and in Kngland. Their Aunt ( Hannah kShepard) nuirried 
Mr. Biddle of l^hiladelphia. Slu' wa.s the motiier of 
Commodinn^ Biddle and Nicholas Biddle, the celebrated 
financier. He nas elected a meml)er of the House of 
Representatives in Congress fro in 1837 to 1841, and died 
2(Jth October, 184."J, leaving a son by a former marriage, 
and two daughters. One of whom, (.Mary,) married 
James A. Bryan, of Xewbern, whose mother was a Miss 
Washington, and has one child, Cliarles S., now in the 
lltli year of his age, and Margaret, who married Samuel 
S. XeLson, of Xe\v Orleans, and is now a widow. 

3. Fannie Donnkli,, married James B. Shepard. 
Mr. Shepard was a native of Newbern; born 14th Xo- 
veniber, 1815. Educated at tlu^ University of Xoi'th 
Carolina, at which he graduated in 1834. Studied law. 
In 183i), appointed by the President, United States Dis- 
trict Attorney for North Carolina. In 1842 and 1844 
he was a member of the Legislature iVoni Wake county. 
In 184(i a candidate for (iov(^rnor, opposing (ioveruor 
(irahani, and in 1818 a candidate for Congress, oppo- 
sing General Lawrence O'B. Branch. He died in 
Raleigh, (»n 17th June, 1871, soon after his return trom 



*MiIk'i"s KL'collcctioiis of Newlieni, Novciiiber (lf>7t) imiiiber of 
Our lAcimj and Our Dead, page 252 — "'Old Graves iu Beaufort," 
xvi: S'.H). 



BichnnJ DohLs Spnifjhf. 25 

an extended sojourn in Europe, leaving one son, John 
R. D. Slu'itard, who i-raduated at tlie University in 
18G5, and at present lives in Paris. 

4. Annie is unmarried : She is tlie owner of the 
family mansion, in XeAvbern. and has a Summer resi- 
deiu;e in Asheville, Xorth Carolina. 

5. C. Si'AKJHT DoNNELl., married Tliomas IMundell 
Keerl, a member of the Bar, now residing in Balti- 
incu'e. I\[r. Keerl Avas born in Baltimore; educated at 
Princeton, where he graduated Avith high honors. His 
paternal grandfather was of one of the oldest fiimilies 
of Bavaria, whence lu- came to America and settled as 
a physician in Baltimore. His father was a merchant 
of that j)lace. His mother was a native of Prince 
(leorge's county, ^Maryland. Her father, Tliomas Mun- 
dell, was a native of Ayreshire, Scotland, (Burns' birth- 
place,) and was a pupil of Dugald Stewart, and descended 
from the celebrated General Leslie, Cromwell's rival. 
Her mother's mother Avas a Miss Bowie. Her mother 
was a ^liss Eversticld, descended from Rev. Jolm Evei's- 
field, of the ancient family of Eversheld, of Sussex, 
England, whence he came to jMaryland. He was a 
clergyman of ability and piety, was possessed of a large 
estate, and Avas the uncle of Bisho]) Claguett, the tirst 
Bishoj) of the l*rt>testant Episcopal Church of Mary- 
land.* 

Mr. and Mrs. Kecrl have one son living, Eversfield 
Eraser, now in the sixteenth year of his age; hav- 
ing lost their oldest child, John R(djert Honnell, a 
noble and gifted boy in the fifteenth year of his age, 
by a stage accident in the mountains of New Hamp- 
shire. Their second child, Richard Dobbs Spaight, died 
at the age of fourteen months, in Xorth Carolina. 

John H. Wheeler. 
•See Spra^ue's Lives of the Episcopal Clergy. 
4 



The Views ok Loeu Macaulay a.s to the fiitnie of America, as 
expressed in a letter to .luclfje H. S. Randall, of Virginia, anther 
of the Life of Jefferson, dated " Holly Lodge, Kensington, London, 
May 23rd, 1857": 

•• 1 have been convineed tliat iiistitntions pnrely democratic must 
sooner or later destroy liberty or ci\ilizatiou, or both. In Europe, 
where the po])ulation is dense, the effect would be instantaneous. 
Either the i)0(jr would plunder the rich, and civilization would i)erisli ; 
or order and i)ro.sperity would be preserved by a strong military gov 
ernineiit, and liberty ])erish. You may think your country enjoys an 
exem])tion from these evils. I frankly own to you that I am of a 
different opinion. Your fate is certain, though it is delayed by a 
physical cause, tio long as you have a boundless extent of fertile 
and unoccupied laud, your laboring population will be far more at 
ease than the same class in the old world, and, while that is the case, 
the Jett'erson politics may exist without causing any fatal calamity. 
But the time will come when New England will be as thickly peopled 
as Old England. Wages will be as low, and fluctuate as much with 
you as with us. Yon will have your Manchesters and BirmiMgliams, 
and in the.se liundicds of thousands will assuredly be out of work. 
Then your institutions will be fairly brought to the test. Di.stress 
makes the laborer mutinous and discontented, and ht^ listens with 
eagerness to agitators who tell him that it is a monstrous iniiiuity 
that one nian should have a million, while another cannot get a full 
meal. In had years, it is true Me have a plenty of grumbling here 
in l']ngland, and often some rioting. But this matters but little, for 
here the sulfercrs are not the rulers. The supreme power is in the 
hands of a select, of an educat(Ml class — of a class which knows 
itself to be deei)ly interested in the security of i)roi»erty and the 
maintenence of order. A(;(!Or(lingly, the malcontents are firmly but 
gently restrained. Tlie bad times an^ got over, without robbing the 
ri(;h to relieve the indigent. The springs of national prosperity .soon 
begin to flow again ; work is plentifid ; wages rise; and all is tran- 
(piility and clieei fulness. 1 have seen England pass through thiee oi' 
four limes sucii ciitical seasons as 1 liaxc described. Through such 
seasons, the United States must |iass in the course of the next cen- 
tury, if not in thi.s. And how will you get through^ I heartily 
wi.sh you a safe deliverance. But my reason and my wishes are at 



Appendix. 27 

war, and I cannot help foreboding the worst. It is (jiiite phiin that 
yonr government will never be able to restrain a distressed and dis- 
contented majority — for the majority is the government, and has the 
rich, who always are in a minority, at their mercy. The day will 
come when in the State of ^'ew York, a mnltitnde of jjeople, none of 
whom has had more than half a breakfast, or ex])e('ts to imve any 
dinner, will choose the Legislature. Is it possible to doubt what 
kind of members will he chosen ? On one side is a statesman i)iea(;li- 
ing patieiu'c ; respect for vested rights; strict observance of public 
faith. On the other is a demogoguc lanting about the tyranny of 
caiiitalists and usurers, and asking wliy anyone should 1k' permitted 
to drink cliam|iagne and riile in caiiiages, while, thousands of honest 
folics are in actual want of necessaries, ^^'hich of the two candidates 
is likely to be preferred when he hears his children crying for bread? 
1 seriously fear that you will in some such season of adversity do 
things which will prevent prosperity from returning — that you will 
act like people who in a year of scarcity d(!\oiu'all the seed corn, and 
thus make the next year not one of scarcity bat of absolute famine. 
Then conu' spoliations — this will only increase the distress; there is 
nothing to stoii you. Your ('oustitution is all sail and no anchor. 
When society has entered on the downward progress, either civiliza- 
tion or liberty nuist i)erish, or both. Either some Ca'sar or Napoleon 
will seize the reins of government with a strong hand, or your repub- 
lic will be as fully i)lundered and laid waste by barbarians in the 20th 
century, as the llouian emi)ire was in the tifth century, with this dif- 
ference, that tlu^ Huns and Vandals who ravaged the Roman emi)ire 
came from without, wliik; your Huns and Vandals will have been 
engendered within your own country by your own institutions.'" 

J. H. ^V. 



FROM BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF YALE COLLEGE. 

CLASS OF 1&3S. 
Ricliard Spaiglit Uoiiiioll. 

Born at New Bciiic, N. (J., Sept. L*(l, ISi'O. His father, Hon. John 
K. Donnell, descended from an influential family in the North of 
Ii'ehuid; inherited wealth from a relative in this country; came to 
North Carolina when a youth; was educated in the University ot 
that State and became a distinguished lawyer and judge. The 
mother of Kichard, Margaret Elizabeth Spaight, was the only daugh- 
ter of Gov. Richard Dobbs Si)aight, the Revolutionary patriot, and 
sister of the younger Gov. Spaiglit, distinguished in Congress, etc. 
Our classuiate was an onlj' son and lost his mother in his early 
youth, but retained permanently the impress of her accomplishments 
aiul virtues. He was taught in New lierne Academy; entered the 
class in its Sophomore year, its youngest member; left during the 
first term of Senior year. He left with us a distinct recollection of 
his generous impulses and noble spirit. He went to the University 
of North Carolina, where he was graduated in 1830, receiving the 
same year the honorary degiee from Yale College. He studied law 
with his father, was admitted to the bar, took an active part in 
politics on the side of the Whigs, his father being a Democrat. 
Having made his home in ^Vashington, N. C, in 1848, Mr. Donnell 
was elected to Congress and took his seat in that body, ifs youngest 
member, and just beyond the age required by the Constitution. He 
was described by a newspaper correspondent as "being fair as a girl, 
with tine, light, curly hair that any young lady might envy." He 
was attenti\e to the duties of his office, and took an active and influ- 
ential part in the discussions. On the 2'Jtli of July, 1848, he de- 
liveied a si)eech of great power and elociuence in the House of 
liepresentatives, on the (/Ompromise bill. His inliuence was always 
thrown in favor of Union and of a peaceful settlement of the sectional 
and other questions at issue. Ueb. IS), 1849, he made a siteech with 
characteristic ability and earnestness on the bills to establish Terri- 
torial governments in California and New Mexico, deprecating the 
thought of disunion and anticipating the horrors it would involve. 
He declined a reelection to Congress, and left that body with a 
strong impression u])on his associates of his honesty aud carnestne.ss 
of i)urpose, and of his sound sense. 

After leaving Congress, Mr. Donnell represented Beaufort County 
in the Legislature of North ('arolina, and was elected Si)eaker of 
that body. At the crisis of the civil war, under date of July IG, 



Appendix. 29 

1863, lie printed in the Raleigli Staiidnrrt of July 31, a long letter 
on the '•History of Secession." In language at once earnest and 
teniperate, be most eloqnently urged the claims of peace, and mani- 
fested the continned love for the Union which all his life he had 
cherished. This pajjcr attracted much attention througliont the 
country and took rank as one of the most iin])ortant publications 
elicited l>y the war. Ilis next public service was to assist iu the 
revision of the Constitution of the State. Soon after this, his health 
rapidl.N tailed. He was long a sntt'erer from gout, which he inherited 
from his mothers family, lie died at New Berne, June o, 18(J7. 

"Mr. Doiinell was one of the most eminent lawyers of North 
Carolina. Tlironghont his extensive practice no instance of ungenei'- 
ons conduct can be remembered, and no case of dishonorable influ- 
ence ojierating njjon him can be exhibited. Not a syllable question- 
ing his honesty and integrity was ever nttereil. Becoming once 
nnexpectedly involved for a friend, he surrendered every dollar of 
bis large estate, and did it with snch cheerfulness and alacrity that 
even his most intimate friends looked on amazed, lu the circle of 
ilis friends can now be rejieated with truth, what was once said of 
his lamented mother, lie was the signal object of resjieetful homage 
and esteem, and where he lived its pride and ornament.'' 

Mr. Donnell was never married. Three sisters are living. 









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